Namingha, Les – Tall Jar with Hopi Bird Medallions

6.75"w x 11"h

$ 4,600.00

This is an exceptional large jar by Les Namingha.  It is the use of shape, texture, and design which are so strong on his piece.  The jar is tall and near the top, it is indented, with the clay pushed inwards.  In these areas, Les has painted a series of small medallions, each with different Hopi-Tewa designs.  Birds, bird wings, cloud, and lighting are all visible in the designs.  Each medallion is a different color and they either contrasting or complementary to the ones nearby. While the medallions are smooth, the rest of the jar is wonderfully textured with a rough surface and a touch of added mica!  Near the base, there is a water design which is tightly painted encircling the entire jar.  It is as if the birds are all flying in the sky above the water.  The jar gives voice to Hopi-Tewa designs of the past but filtered through the modern lense of Les’s creativity.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay.